ML Interest Tag: online-events

28 Spookily Fun Halloween Events in and Near NYC for Kids

by Yuliya Geikhman

From costume parties to pumpkin carving (and catapulting!), check out more than 20 Halloween events in NYC for family-friendly, spooky fun

Hey, boo! Explore New York City’s spooky side this October. Halloween is coming, which means that New York City is about to be filled with festive events where you and the kids (ahem, you and your little superheroes, witches, monsters, and princesses) can celebrate with gusto! And by celebrate, we of course mean with creepy stories, haunted houses, ghouls, and ghosts of all kinds. Join costume parades (or have your dog join one), make Halloween-themed crafts, learn about the traditions and animals that are associated with the holiday, carve some pumpkins, and so much more!

Or, if you’re looking for something a bit different, participate in some more unconventional Halloween activities, like spooky slime making and pumpkin flinging. Whatever you decide to attend, you can be sure that the kids will get a kick out of 2022’s spooky Halloween NYC family events! Pro tip: remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint, to All Hallow’s Eve!

Halloween Parades and Parties around NYC

Halloween Festival at Bleecker Playground
The Friends of Bleecker Playground are hosting a fundraising Halloween festival, raising money to benefit the community. Join a mini-parade perfect for the little ones, that starts at Abingdon Square at 10. The playground will be decked out with entertainment for the kids, including face painting, crafting, music, and more.

Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated
Sun., Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bleeker Playground
Bleecker St. & W 11th St.
West Village
Online: bleeckerplayground.org

Halloween Extravaganza at Franz Sigel Park
Get tricks and treats at the annual Halloween Extravaganza. In addition to the usual Halloween fun—cool costumes, pet parade, and creepy crafts—this park party also has slime making, Tarot readings, and an interactive Story Walk from Emit Theatre.

Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 29, 1-5 p.m.
Franz Sigel Park
East 158th St.
Concourse
Online: eventbrite.com

The Music of Halloween Spooktacular at Brooklyn Bowl
Have a rocking good time with the Rock and Roll Playhouse, where the sounds of classic rock meet Halloween classics. This family-friendly concert encourages kids to dance and sing along, and is a great first introduction to classic rock.

Cost: $15, free for those 1 year old and younger
Sun., Oct. 30, 12 p.m.
61 Wythe Ave.
Williamsburg
Online: brooklynbowl.com

Boo Bash at Randall’s Island
Pre-party on Randall’s Island for an extra chance to show off your cool costumes. Dress up and visit the island for the annual Boo Bash, which features themed crafts, games, treats, and more.

Cost: Free
Sun., Oct. 30, 12-3 p.m.
103rd Street Footbridge
Randall’s Island
Online: randallsisland.org

Halloween Harvest Festival at Socrates Sculpture Park
Heads up: This Halloween Harvest will send your pumpkin creation soaring to great heights… literally! Carve out an epic pumpkin then send it flying with the pumpkin catapult at the second annual “Flight of the Gourds.” It’s pumpkins galore, with pumpkin art workshops, a creative spin on costume creation, and face painting. Plus, bring your pooch in his best costume and join the dog costume contest—or just stand back and watch other people’s dapper doggos!

Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 30, 12-5 p.m.
32-01 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City
Online: socratessculpturepark.org

Halloween Costume Party at Westchester Square
Don your favorite costumes and head over to this costume party for a fun family bash. Kids ages 2-15 are invited to participate in games, win prizes, make arts and crafts, and more. There will be vendors on site for food, drinks, and, of course, dessert and candy.

Cost: $28.38 ages 2-15, $12.41 ages 15+
Sun., Oct. 30, 2-6 p.m.
1450 Commerce Ave.
Westchester Square
Online: eventbrite.com

Kids Costume Party at Dazzled Art
Join the Dazzled Utopia Art Studio for a pre-Halloween costume party. Kids will create art, dance, sing, chow down on pizza, and have the chance to win prizes. The party is open to kids ages 3-12 years old.

Cost: $30
Sun., Oct. 30, 3-5 p.m.
1261 Ralph Ave.
East Flatbush
Online: dazzledart.com

Dumboween at the Dumbo Archway
This charming Halloween mini-parade and party is, by its own admission, “sometimes spooky, always adorable.” March over to the Dumbo Archway and kick off with a children’s party, complete with a lively brass band, arts and crafts from the Creatively WILD Art Studio, a photobooth, and more. Enter costume competitions, go trick or treating among over 50 participating businesses in the area, and take spooktacular photos throughout the evening.

Cost: Free
Mon., Oct. 31, 4:30-7 p.m., march to the Archway begins at 4 p.m.
Dumbo Archway
155 Water St.
Dumbo
Online: dumbo.is

Related: NYC’s Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating

Monstrous Museums, Gardens, and Centers around NYC

Halloween Costume Dog Show at Williamsbridge Oval
Watch costumed pooches strut their stuff at the Pet Fashion Show at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center. Bring the family pet, or just come and watch as dogs show off their costumes, participate in obstacle courses, and pose for furry photo-ops.

Cost: Free
Fri., Oct. 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
3225 Reservoir Oval East
West Bronx
Online: nycgovparks.org

Hands on History: Spooky Season at King Manor
This month’s Hands on History features a spooky twist. Learn about the author Washington Irving and his famous 1820 story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Make a craft to take home inspired by the scary story: Headless Horseman paper pumpkin masks!

Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 15, 1-4 p.m.
150-03 Jamaica Ave.
Jamaica
Online: kingmanor.org

Monster Bash at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
CMOM has a packed October, full of creepy and fun Halloween fun and activities. Here’s just a small sample:

  • Oct. 22 & 23: Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun, according to MakerSpace! Create your very own monster using “junk” like socks, boxes, fabric, and other mixed media materials.
  • Oct. 25-28: Dress up with PlayWorks in the Monster Party Hats event, where kids can design hats and headbands, then wear them as they play and pretend.
  • Oct. 25-28: Make some fancy eyewear with Inside Art, at the Monster Vision Goggles workshop.

Every day has different events to explore! Plus, throughout the Monster Bash, kids can participate in scavenger hunts, listen to read-alongs of scary (but not too scary!) stories, play Halloween-themed party games, and much more.

Price: Free with admission
Tues., Oct. 18-Sun., Oct. 31
The Tisch Building
212 West 83rd St.
Upper West Side
Online: cmom.org

Hallowscream at Chelsea Recreation Center
This Halloween event is a scream—literally! The Chelsea Recreation Center has been spookified, turning it into a haunted house. Brave the “Fright Walk,” where scary special effects, frightening images, jump scares, spooky audio, and an eerie fog cover the path. Only bring your bravest family members for this one! Adults are urged to make sure their little ones are handling the frights fine, especially if they’re under 13 years old.

Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 22, 1:30-6 p.m.
430 West 25th St.
Chelsea
Online: eventbrite.com

Living History: Cooking Spooky Treats at the NY Historical Society
Go back in time with historical interpreter Cheyney McKnight and make your own treats to enjoy this Halloween. Families will work together to create an edible cookie dough “sandpit” that hides yummy surprises. No baking required! Then, dig in while you listen to family-friendly scary stories.

Cost: Free with admission
Sun., Oct. 23, 1-3 p.m.
170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th St.)
Upper West Side
Online: nyhistory.org

Haunted House at the Williamsbridge Oval
Oh no! The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center has been overtaken by ghouls, witches, ghosts, and other creepy critters that go bump in the night. Visit the space for a haunted house event that’s appropriate for all ages.

Cost: Free
Fri., Oct. 28, 7-9 p.m.
3225 Reservoir Oval East
West Bronx
Online: nycgovparks.org

Irish Halloween at the Irish Arts Center
Learn about Irish traditions and the annual Halloween / Oíche Shamhna festival through this interactive experience held by the Irish Arts Center. The Arts Center’s new building appears to be haunted! Kids (and their caretakers) are invited to dance, sing, and scare the ghosts away. Browse the spooky location and explore Ireland’s myths, legends, language, and history. This hour-long program is free but requires a timed entry ticket.

Cost: Free
Sun., Oct. 30, 12-1 p.m.
726 11th Ave.
Gramercy
Online: irishartscenter.org

Halloween at the Garden at Queens Botanical Garden
Wear your costume to the Queens Botanical Garden for an afternoon full of Halloween fun. Walk along the Trick-or-Treat Trail, make themed arts and crafts, learn about creepy crawlies that live in your compost pile,  listen to live music, and watch a magic show. Adults can enjoy harvest beers and ciders from the Beer & Wine Garden, and purchase food and refreshments for the family from local food vendors.

Cost: $7.39/adult, $3.18/child, free for those 3 years old and under
Sun., Oct. 30, 12-5 p.m.
43-50 Main St.
Flushing
Online: queensbotanical.org

Fall-O-Ween at the NY Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden has a packed Fall events calendar, with tons of seasonal harvest- and Halloween-themed programs and special attractions:

  • Oct. 15 & 16: Join the Pumpkin Carving Face-off Weekend to design your own pumpkin or watch three pumpkin carving masters face off for the most intricate—and terrifying—creation.
  • Oct. 22 & 23: It’s the Pumpkin Parade Weekend! Wear your best costume and participate in a festiva parade in the garden. Kids can help decorate before the parade, then check out giant pumpkins, watch a pumpkin carving demonstration, and learn about how growers get their pumpkins to grow to such enormous sizes.
  • Oct. 22 & 29: Stay after hours for the Spooky Pumpkin Garden Nights, and explore the gardens by flashlight, meeting giant skeletons and spooky scarecrows along the way.

In addition to these events, throughout autumn the children’s garden will be decorated with cute and scary scarecrows, and pumpkins of all shapes and colors will be on display.

Cost, date, and time varies; events throughout October
2900 Southern Boulevard
The Bronx
Online: nybg.org

Spooky Crafts, Readalongs, and More at Your Local Library
If you’re looking for a free Halloween- or fall-themed activity for your little ones, look no further than your local library. Various branches across all the boroughs have scheduled festive events and workshops for kids (and adults) of all ages. Make spooky crafts (either at the library or through to-go kits), listen to scary stories, watch movies, make slime, and much more!

Cost: Free
Various times and locations
Online: bklynlibrary.org, queenslibrary.org and nypl.org (for Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island)

Related: The Best NYC-Themed Costume Ideas For Your Kiddos

Halloween Animal Adventures around NYC

Halloween Programs at Alley Pond
Alley Pond has a full weekend of spooky events planned for kids, starting with the Not-So-Spooky Spiders and Snakes—an exploration of these amazing and often misunderstood animals and arachnids, with some live guests! Other events include chances to meet more animals considered “scary,” make Halloween-themed snacks, read spooky stories, create themed artworks and crafts, and participate in a Halloween party.

Cost, date, and time varies by program
224-65 76th Ave.
Oakland Gardens
Online: alleypond.org

Halloween on the Farm at the Queens County Farm Museum
Celebrate Halloween on NYC’s oldest working farm. Get lost (or rather, try not to) in the Amazing Maize Maze, a three-acre labyrinth among corn stalks. Your ticket also includes access to a spooky farmhouse, Halloween hayrides, a DJ dance party, an Adopt-a-Worm composting program, and a trick-or-treating event with the farm animals, which sends you on a hunt to find nine special stations throughout the farm. Local food vendors are on hand to feed hungry tummies and fresh produce will be available to purchase at the Farmstand.

Cost: $22.16, free for those 3 years old and younger
Sun., Oct. 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy.
Little Neck
Online: eventbrite.com

Spooky Fitness Opportunities around NYC

Haunted Island Race at Governors Island
Celebrate in style and stay in shape at the same time at the annual Haunted Island Race. The race offers both a 5K and a 10K option, and awards will be given out to the best runners by gender (male, female, non-binary) and age brackets. The race will take you all around Governors Island, giving you a chance to take in the views as you go. After the race, you’re welcome to explore the island and enjoy Halloween goodies. Your ticket nets you a ferry ride, a t-shirt, and a post-race meal. Costumes are encouraged!

Cost: Starting at $40
Sat., Oct. 29, 5K begins at 8:30 a.m., 10K begins at 9 a.m.
Governors Island, Colonels Row
Online: nycruns.com

Spooky Castle Yoga at The Skyscraper Museum
What do castles and yoga have in common? Both can be spooooky! At least, they can when you join this all-ages event for families. Discuss what makes up the architecture of a castle, then use what you learned to form yoga poses that draw inspiration from spooky castles and Halloween. RSVP is required and costumes are encouraged!

Cost: Free
Sat., Oct 29, 10:30 a.m.
39 Battery Pl.
Battery Park City
Online: skyscraper.org

Related: Praise the Gourd: Where to Go Pumpkin Picking near NYC

Haunted Cruises around NYC

Haunted Halloween East River Dinner Cruise
The National Lighthouse Museum’s Haunted boat tour will regale you with spooky stories as you enjoy a three-course dinner. The cruise will take you from Lighthouse Point, through Hell Gate, to Execution Rocks—all while sharing tales of the haunted history of key points along the way.

Cost: $97.54/adult, $54.98/child
Fri., Oct. 28, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
National Lighthouse Museum
200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point
Staten Island
Online: eventbrite.com

Halloween Kids Spooky Cruise
See the city from a different perspective at this Halloween-themed and kid-oriented spooky cruise. Trick or treat on the water as you enjoy incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. The ship will be decked out in seasonal decor, have plenty of candy on board to satisfy little trick-or-treaters, and will keep the kids entertained with performances from costumed characters. Food and drink will be available to purchase—or you can upgrade to the Premium experience for a complementary food and drink package that also gets you a children’s goody bag with party favors and treats.

Cost: Starting at $45/adult and $40/child
Mon., Oct. 31, 1:30 p.m.
Departs from Pier 36
299 South St.
Lower East Side
Online: eventcruisesnyc.com

Halloween Activities Worth the Drive from NYC

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor
This amazing display features over 7,000 lit Jack o-Lanterns, arranged into sculptures from architectural marvels to dinosaurs and the Statue of Liberty. Expect bright synchronized lights, jaw-dropping displays, and an original soundtrack. And yes, they’re real: The pumpkins are designed and carved by a team of artists. This year, the Blaze features an animated “Jack” Smith Shop and glowing bees.

Tickets are selling out fast, with some nights already unavailable or limited to a small number of tickets. If you’re considering attending this event, you’ll want to secure your tix sooner rather than later! The Blaze is coming to Long Island, too—buy tickets for that here.

Cost: Starting at $44/person, free for those 2 years old and younger
Select evenings, Sep. 16-Nov. 20
525 S. Riverside Ave.
Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Online: hudsonvalley.org

Legoland NY

Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party
LEGOLANDs across the nation are partying for Halloween, but unique to the New York location is that it will be debuting the world’s first wheelchair-accessible giant LEGO pumpkin! Without stairs, all guests will be able to join in on the photo opportunities. Not only that, the Monster Party will transform the Dragon Coaster into the “Disco Dragon Coaster” complete with a groovy monster soundtrack and party lights. There’s also a ghostly scavenger hunt in MINILAND where you can wander through the Haunted Nature Maze and discover candy along the LEGO Friends Nature Trail. And, of course, grab loads of sweets at trick-or-treating stations located along dedicated paths. Don’t forget your costume!

Cost: Starting at $85
Sep. 24-Oct. 30
1 LEGOLAND Blvd.
Goshen, NY
Online: legoland.com

Halloween Fest at the Liberty Science Center
The Halloween Fest is back and it’s better than ever, full to the brim with both indoor and outdoor activities. Pick out your favorite pumpkin at NJ’s largest indoor pumpkin picking patch—or just take a peek inside of one with an endoscope! Beyond the patch, you’ll learn about creepy crawlies like roaches, spiders, scorpions, and millipedes, as well as traditionally “spooky” Halloween icons like bats and skeletons. Then, head outdoors to make your way through the spider maze, dig for fossils, and find fall drinks and treats (no tricks here!).

Special events for the season are available for an additional fee.  catch a spooky planetarium show that highlights the Monsters of the Night Sky, like the Witch Head Nebula and the Medusa constellation. Hop into a Halloween-inspired laser show, or watch a creepy 3D movie, “Haunted House,”and get delightfully freaked out. If you visit on Oct. 30 or 31, make sure to wear your best Halloween costume, because the Center is hosting it’s wrap up party all weekend long with trick or treating, costumes, and more excitement.

Cost: $29.99/adult, $24.99/child, $26.99/senior
Throughout October during center hours
222 Jersey City Blvd.
Jersey City, NJ
Online: lsc.org

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place
A good choice for the tiniest of trick-or-treaters, Sesame Place is turned into a family-friendly Halloween haven between September 17 and November 6. Guests can trick-or-treat around the park, take in Halloween-themed shows and parades, participate in an interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and take advantage of unique photo opportunities with Sesame’s furry friends dressed up in costume on Halloween-themed floats! Kids can also meet and greet Spookley, the square pumpkin, as he makes two weekend visits from Holiday Hill Farm.

For even more fun, check out the Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Drive-Through, enjoyed from the comfort of your own vehicle!

Cost: Starting at $42
Sep. 17-Nov. 6
100 Sesame Rd.
Langhorne, PA
Online: sesameplace.com

 

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9 Hands-On Places to Explore for STEM Learning

by Jamie Davis Smith

Many kids have a natural love of science, technology, engineering and math. Whether your little one loves trees or trestles, exposing them to STEM concepts early on can spark a life-long love of learning. From code-breaking to robotics to space exploration, we soused out the best immersive experiences for STEM-based fun. Read on for our top picks on where to take tots through tweens for adventures in STEM. 

Pexels

Nature Center and Planetarium
We are so fortunate to live an area rich with trails, parks and nature centers. Getting even the youngest children out and up close with critters and trees is a great way to foster a love of STEM. Find one near you or head to one of the most unique around. Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium is home to the only planetarium in a national park anywhere in the country. The nature center is full of hands-on activities. Pick up a map outside of the nature center to take a self-guided hike (long or short) through the park to learn about the native plants and species. While there be sure to seek out the horse stables and Capitol Stones.

Editor's Note: The nature center and planetarium are currently closed due to COVID.

5200 Glover Rd NW.
Chevy Chase DC
Online: nps.gov

KIDMusuem
A new STEM center is opening May 22. The KIDMuseum has rotating ideas for hands-on activities for kids in elementary school through middle school. At this flagship location, kids can explore coding, robotics, engineering design, and hands-on maker learning through open exploration every Sunday. During the week, this unique makerspace will be used for field trips, camps and other special events.

6400 Democracy Blvd.
Bethesda, MD
Online: kid-museum.org

 

Artechouse

Artechouse
Even kids who don't naturally love STEM will love seeing how art and technology intersect at Artechouse. Most exhibits are family-friendly and highly interactive. Once children experience the different ways technology can be used to create a fun and immersive experience they may start asking more questions about the role of technology in their own lives. Don's miss the XR bar where kids can enjoy themed mocktails with a techy-twist. Grown-up versions are available too.

1238 Maryland Ave. SW
L'Enfant Plaza
Online: artechouse.com

International Spy Museum via Yelp

The International Spy Museum
Small spies in the making will love learning about code-breaking, forensics, disguises and more at the Spy Museum. Even the youngest visitors will have fun trying their hand at catching a family member telling a lie, finding a secret drop location and marveling at the ingenious ways scientists throughout the years have helped spies get information that shaped history and catch the bad guys.

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW
Downtown
Online: spymuseum.org

Maryland Science Center

Maryland Science Center
With three stories of nothing but STEM exhibits, the Maryland Science Center is full of hands-on learning activities for toddlers through teens. Start with dinosaurs, move on to hoisting yourself up using ropes and pullies and then try a hands-on engineering activity in The Shed or science experiment in the SciLab. Younger visitors can explore the Kid's Room to learn about cause and effect and construct waterways. Don't miss the museum's planetarium and special events including Bubble Day.

601 Light St.
Baltimore, MD
Online: mdsci.org

The Art & Industries Building
The Arts & Industries Building, next to the Smithsonian Castle, recently reopened after being closed for 20 years. The FUTURES exhibit that the Smithsonian launched as part of the grand re-opening was worth the wait.  Even young children will marvel at an AI rover, a Planetary Society space sail designed for deep space travel, the first full-scale geodesic dome built in North America and more. Throughout FUTURES, kids will learn about how problems were solved using scientific concepts in the past and how the same might be done in years to come. Older children might want to spend hours problem-solving through video games. The exhibit runs through July 6, 2022.

900 Jefferson Dr. SW
Downtown
Online: si.edu/exhibitions/futures

National Air & Space Museum

Air & Space Museum
The DC area is lucky enough to be home to two incredible Air & Space Museum locations. Both teach kids of all ages STEM concepts using planes, rockets, space ships and more. Any child who loves space or things that fly will love exploring everything the museum offers. Look for hands-on activities, storytimes with books ranging from space exploration to the history of flight, planetarium shows featuring everything from the night sky to Big Bird on the moon and more. Can't make it in person? The museum hosts online events as well.

Editor's Note: The DC location of the Air & Space museum is temporarily closed through Fall 2022.

14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA

600 Independence Ave. SW
Downtown
Online: airandspace.si.edu

National Children's Museum
It's never too early for kids to start learning about STEAM. The National Children's Museum features exhibits on data collection, engineering and tech. Think that's too complex for your little one? Not at all. All of these concepts are presented in extremely tot-friendly ways. Kids will learn hands-on in the Tinker Studio, by creating racing cars and getting pom-poms to float in the air. Check the museum's schedule for STEAM Storytime and other special events.

1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Downtown
Online: nationalchildrensmuseum.org

Port Discovery Museum
Head to the massive Port Discovery Museum to get wet while learning about the wonders of water and explore basic math skills in the immersive on-site gas station and diner. Kids can also build to their heart's content in The Port, while also learning about how their toys and food travel around the world to make it to their home. There are also plenty of opportunities for kids to get active at the museum's indoor stadium and three-story climber.

35 Market Pl.
Baltimore, MD
Online: portdiscovery.org

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Secret Stairways and Colorful Murals: Urban Hikes for Everyone

by Nicole Findlay

Hiking is always fun but throw in hidden staircases and gorgeous murals, and you’ve got yourself a real adventure! Explore the city on foot and soak in the beauty of the stairs, the views from the top and our Bay Area’s very own local artists. Here’s a guide to a few of our favorite spots!

 

Staircases

Nicole Findlay

The Hidden Steps on 16th Avenue

You'll find the Hidden Garden Steps at 16th Avenue and Kirkham Street in the Inner Sunset. The steep staircase, adorned with beautiful mosaic tiles, depicts colorful flowers, plants, insects and more!

At the top, turn right and follow 16th Avenue through the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. Here, you'll reach another set of beautifully tiled stairs where you can climb from the sea (at the bottom) to the stars (at the top).

And when you get to the top of that staircase, why not turn right, and catch a third set of stairs? This not-as-pretty concrete set leads you to the tip-top of Granview Park. The views of the Pacific Ocean, the bay, and the entire city below are jaw-dropping. Pat each other (and yourself!) on the back. That was quite an urban climb!

The Steps to Macondray Lane

Have you seen "Tales of the City?" You know, the 1993 miniseries (with a sequel in 2019) featuring Laura Linney, Olympia Dukakis, Paul Gross and Barbara Garrick? Well, Macondry Lane was the inspiration for Barbary Lane in "Tales of the City." It's a secluded, greenery-lined pedestrian walkway in Russian Hill between Leavenworth and Taylor Streets. At the Taylor side, there's a set of wooden stairs, and from the top, you can see the beautiful bay.

Holding hands on stairs
Amy Humphries on Unsplash

Explore Berkeley's Thousand Oaks

At the top of Solano Avenue in North Berkeley starts the most unexpected urban stroll through parks, streams, volcanic boulders, and traditional Ohlone Indian sites. You'll even find chickens to feed on the route! From Solano Avenue at The Alameda, go straight on Indian Rock Path, a narrow lane cutting between houses with a dead end on Indian Rock Park, a climber's Mecca. Look for stone steps carved on the right side of the rock and walk to the top. The 360-degree view of the bay is breathtaking. Continue up Indian Rock Avenue and turn onto San Diego Road. On your left, you'll discover John Hinkel Park with its lush canyon and stone amphitheater. Go down into the park to Somerset Avenue and turn right onto Arlington Avenue, then left into Yosemite Road. This is where a clever resident set a chicken coop at street level with a bubble gum dispenser filled with chicken feed and treats for good dogs. Get your quarters out! After Great Stoneface Park, find Indian Trail at the south (left) corner of San Fernando Avenue and walk down Berkeley's wild side. Turn left on The Alameda, left (up) Yosemite Steps after Capistrano Avenue and down Contra Costa Avenue back to Indian Rock Path. Turn right to Solano Avenue.

Scale South San Francisco's Sign Hill

We bet you've seen this place hundreds of times as you've zoomed up 101 toward San Francisco: A hill covered with white letters, reading "SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO THE INDUSTRIAL CITY," —it's the Hollywood sign's way-less-glamorous, NorCal cousin.

But did you know that this city park situated on the face of San Bruno Mountain is also a rare grassland habitat with endangered animals, stairs, and kid-friendly hiking trails? Getting to the letters is easy from Grand Avenue, just a short, uphill walk through a quiet suburban neighborhood. The Letters Trail is quick and takes you right up to the big white signs. (If you're looking for something longer, there are three other trail options to choose from: Ridge, Seubert and Iris Hill). Three-year-olds should be able to walk this trail on their own.

Dipsea Stairs

This staircase is not necessarily urban, but it's hidden in Mill Valley—and one of our favorites in the Bay Area. For the more experienced hiking family, this 3.70-mile loop tackles 680 stairs—but wow! How amazing are you going to feel when you reach the top? This trail takes an average of 1 hour and 53 minutes to complete, and feel free to bring your furry four-legged family members (as long as they stay on leash).

Climb Telegraph Hill

Paper streets may sound tame but they’re a guaranteed workout! Go down Sansome Street three blocks to a concrete-and-steel stairway called Filbert Steps where you start your ascension.  Wooden cottages, rose bushes, and sculpted gardens line both sides of the stairs. Kids will love the “Teacup poodle OK” mural around a water hydrant on your right. Continue the stairs up to Coit Tower—enjoy the view—and come back down the Greenwich steps. These turn into Greenwich Street, leading you to Levi Plaza’s park, a zen place with fountains to splash in and rocks to relax on.

Murals

Hari Nandakumar on Unsplash

Mission District, San Francisco

Balmy Alley: Located between 24th and 25th Streets, this block-long alley is one of the best spots to see murals. The murals began in the mid-1980s to express anger over human rights violations and political corruption in central America. Today, new murals pop up all the time and can include gentrification and government injustice.

Clarion Alley: The Mission of Clarion Alley Mural Project (CAMP) transformed Clarion Alley into a space filled with murals. There's been over 900 since 1992.

Walking around the Mission District is like stepping into an outdoor art gallery. If you'd like to see even more murals and learn about each piece—take a walking tour. 

Ed Bierman via Creative Commons

Beach Chalet, San Francisco

Murals from the Works Progress Administration era cover the entire first floor of the Beach Chalet building. Enjoy the free art show before grabbing a bite to eat. The Beach Chalet restaurant (upstairs) and Park Chalet (downstairs and outside) are both delicious. The beach is just across the street, too! What could be better? Gorgeous murals, a delicious lunch, and a family frolic in the sand!

North Beach, San Francisco

Tucked into alleys on Columbus Street, you may have to search a little to find the murals in this neighborhood. But when you do, it's worth the effort. Our favorite, though, is not hard to spot. Stand on Columbus and Broadway and look above the New Sun Hong Kong Restaurant. We promise you can't miss it!

Chinatown, San Francisco

More and more colorful murals have popped up in Chinatown in the past decade. Take a stroll through this lively neighborhood and see how many you can spot! Our favorite is the giant blue dragon On Trenton Street and Pacific Avenue.

Brian Tromp via Unsplash

MacArthur Bart Station, 555 40th St, Oakland

Two murals inside the station are almost identical. Can your family find the differences? What do you think the murals look like? Peacock feathers, hot air balloon, a symbol of diversity? The beauty of art is that it's up to your interpretation. 

Downtown Oakland

The walk between the 12th and 19th Street Bart Stations has some really striking artwork. You'll find murals honoring the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, John Lewis, the Oakland skyline and more! 

Flax Art & Design, 1501 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland

The kids will surely get excited when they see the huge T-Rex dinosaur painted in rainbow hues. 

Jack London Square, 4th and Webster, Oakland

The giant Oakland Dreams mural is definitely Instagram-worthy. It represents youth holding on to their dreams. Beautiful and inspirational!

—Nicole Findlay & Sarah MacDonald

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Urban Farming 101 for Portland Families

by Melissa Poulin

Portlanders  love the outdoors and animals, and with COVID keeping us close to home many families have considered growing and raising animals and plants for fun, hope, and sustenance. New to gardening and want to grow fresh food for your family this summer? Here’s our handy guide to getting your very own urban farm up and running. Read on for all the details on digging in!

Jonathan Hanna via unsplashed

Choose your garden location

You don’t need a ton of space to grow a lot of food! Even a sunny balcony or patio can yield a surprising amount. Be sure to choose a location that allows for maximum sun, but a little shade during part of the day is nice during the summer months, to keep tender veggies from burning. For minimal to no outdoor space, try a kitchen herb box on a windowsill, or contact Portland Parks & Recreation to find out about a low-cost community garden plot in one of more than 30 community gardens all over the city. Have a little more space? Container gardening is a great choice for balconies, patios, rentals, and small spaces. If you have room for a raised bed, there are resources for building a simple box of your own, and Portland Edible Gardens will even build one for you! Maximize space by choosing unused areas like parking strips and grassy medians between driveways. A water-hogging lawn can be transformed into an in-ground garden with a little effort, yielding big results.

Prepare the Soil

Good food grows from the soil up! If you want to feed yourself well, you need to feed the soil first. Portland Nursery has a wealth of information available on their website to help you determine soil health. Metro Master Gardeners, of the OSU Master Garden Extension program, can also help, including soil test kits to figure out the presence of lead and other potentially harmful toxins. Smaller container gardens and raised beds can be topped with bagged potting soil available at local nurseries. For larger raised beds and in-ground gardens, local topsoil options for delivery and pickup include Foster Fuel and Deans. For a slower burn, try lasagne-style sheet mulching to suppress grass and weeds. Layer cardboard, manure, and straw directly over the grass, and wait a month or two to harness the power of earthworms and microbes to turn it all into fertile soil. You can add a layer of topsoil before planting.

Make a Plan

For small raised beds, Square Foot Gardening is a great beginner method with gratifying high-yield results. Choose from dozens of books on the method or browse the official website for resources, including affordable online courses from certified instructors. The OSU Extension program has a short guide on raised bed planting as well. No matter what method you choose, draw a sketch of your garden and mark out what plants you plan to grow. Different plants have different germination-to-harvest rates, meaning you can grow quick-growing veggies like radishes in between rows of slower-growing carrots. You'll also want to think about how much space each plant will require. A sketch will help you estimate space requirements, as well as think ahead to fall and winter crops. Check out Portland Nursery's handy planting calendar for fruits and veggies to learn more. Keep your sketches in a designated folder or notebook so you can refer back to it later. For multiple beds and single beds alike, succession planting will help you rotate your crops and reduce pest pressure in future seasons. Take advantage of online instructional videos like the ones at Portland Edible Gardens.

 

 

Markus Spiske

Decide on Irrigation

Before you get your plants in the ground, it's a good idea to think about how you'll water them. Hand-watering with a hose, bucket, or watering can is the simplest choice, appropriate for containers and single raised beds. For multiple raised beds and larger areas, consider a soaker hose that you can wind through plants. Connect one end to your hose and let it irrigate plants while you weed or harvest. Raised bed irrigation kits take automated watering to the next level. Add a timer to take the guesswork out of it. For in-ground gardens, you can  purchase irrigation supplies in bulk for more savings.

Plant

Now the fun part! Get those plants in the ground! You can purchase starts (young plants in small containers) for most vegetables, but some plants do better from seed, like carrots and radishes, because they don't like to be moved. You may choose to plant certain things from seed to save money, or experience the magic of watching a plant grow. Consider your timing as well. If you're just getting started in June, for example, you may want to pick up larger tomato starts to ensure you get to eat those tasty ripe fruits before summer wanes. Lay out your plant starts (or draw lines in the soil if planting seeds), following package directions for spacing and seed depth. If you need extra guidance on planting or any of the steps above, Growing Gardens offers virtual consulting to meet your level of experience.

Tend and Harvest

For best results, keep soil loose, moist, and weed-free throughout the growing season. Read up on individual crop preferences. Potatoes, for example, need to dry out at a certain point to keep tubers from rotting underground. Alliums like garlic and onions have similar needs. Plan ahead so you can easily block water to those crops while watering others, using goof plugs on irrigation lines. Watch for pest pressure and consult local experts if you're having trouble defending crops against slugs, caterpillars, or other pests. Many organic methods exist to preserve your harvest while respecting Mother Nature! The Master Gardeners at OSU Extension Programs have a well-established Ask an Expert process for fielding your questions about pest control and many other gardening solutions.

Jan Babarook unsplashed

Chickens and Ducks

For even more of an urban farm experience, consider hosting your own flock! Portland allows for up to three backyard chickens or ducks without a permit, but roosters are prohibited. Buy chicks, pullets, and ducklings from established nurseries and hatcheries, who do their best to send you home with female birds. (Most offer a 90% sexing guarantee.) Due to recent high demand, you'll want to call ahead or email to join waiting lists. Naomi's Organic Farm Supply is nearing the end of their chick orders, but check the website for updates. They're also a great resource for hen and duck supplies! In Portland and Gresham, Burns Feed Store offers chicks from February through mid-August, and Woodburn's Pete's Hatchery will even mail your chicks to you!

Fun Projects with Kids

To get your child interested in gardening, read Lois Ehlert's Planting a Rainbow, then plant a rainbow garden together. Choose a mix of vegetables and flowers in every color. Try red tomatoes, orange marigolds, yellow sunflowers, "Green Envy" zinnias (or any leafy green), blue bachelor's buttons, and purple kale. Planning and planting a pizza garden is another fun way to get kids invested in tending crops from seed to table. Or build a fun structure like a sunflower house and let kids sit under the impressive canopy come high summer.

 

John Mcklung

Local Shops and Resources

The Portland Metro area is filled with nurseries, farm supply stores, and nonprofits ready to help you get growing. They're working hard during the pandemic to keep customers safe and supplied. So return the favor and buy local whenever possible! With a little planning and some patience, you can get everything you need locally to grow a great garden this year.

OSU Extension Master Gardener Program
Visit the website for your local extension office, and for more information on online events including free or low-cost classes in veggie gardening.

Online: extension.oregonstate.edu

Growing Gardens
3114 SE 50th Ave.
503-284-8420
info@growing-gardens.org
Online: growing-gardens.org

Portland Edible Gardens
503-893-9312
info@portlandediblegardens.com
Online: portlandediblegardens.com

Naomi's Organic Farm Supply
3454 SE Powell Blvd.
order@naomisorganic.com
Online: naomisorganic.blogspot.com

Coronavirus specifics: The shop is closed to the public, but open for online orders. Email your order on any day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when staff closes orders. Emails sent after 5 pm Monday and before opening on Thursday will be deleted. This is to stay on top of orders!

Portland Nursery
5050 SE Stark St.
503-231-5050
9000 SE Division St.
503-788-9000
Online: portlandnursery.com

Tony's Garden Center
10300 SE Holgate Blvd
503-760-7718
Online: tonysgarden.com

Coronavirus specifics: Store is open to the public. Wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. Taped markers throughout the nursery show appropriate distancing when waiting in line or browsing. Open Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Garden Fever
3433 NE 24th Ave.
info@gardenfever.com
Online: gardenfever.com

Coronavirus specifics: Open for paid order pickup Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Download and attach order forms online, and email. Staff will call to collect payment and explain pickup.

Burns Feed Store
29215 SE Orient Drive
Gresham, OR 97080
503-663-3246
Online: burnsfeed.com

Pete's Hatchery
13148 NE Portland Rd.
Gervais OR 97026
844-307-4777
Online: peteshatchery.com

Mt. Scott Fuel (soil)
6904 SE Foster Rd.
503-774-3241
Online: mtscottfuel.com

Deans Residential (soil)
6400 SE 101st Ave.
503-281-1637
Online: fineroutdoorliving.com

Wichita Feed and Hardware
6089 SE Johnson Creek Blvd.
503-775-6767
Online: wichitafeedandhardware.com

 

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Metropolitan Opera Announces Family Holiday Festival

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Continuing The Metropolitan Opera’s annual tradition, the Family Holiday Festival will be available as a digital experience. While in previous years, this annual favorite event was at the historic opera at Lincoln Center. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Met is bringing everything online for a free, all-virtual experience across five days. 

Lincoln Center

The Family Holiday Festival  will run Dec. 17 through Dec. 21, 2020. Among the highlights for the whole family is a free stream of the holiday favorite Hansel and Gretel, a wickedly entertaining adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Complementing this is a lineup of online events to celebrate the season, including arts and crafts, composing carols, a dance party, and a special Hansel and Gretel-inspired baking class (Deep Dark Fudgy Brownies) featuring NY Times writer Melissa Clark and opera star Anthony Roth Costanzo.

The family-friendly opera has inspired a lineup of online events to celebrate the season, including arts and crafts, baking, and composing carols. The opera stream and event information can be found at metopera.org/family.

Below is the schedule for the Met’s virtual Family Holiday Festival.

Thurs., Dec. 17 at 5:00pm ET through Mon., Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. ET – Free Stream of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel

 

Thurs., Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. ET – Getting to Know Hansel and Gretel

Learn about Humperdinck’s operatic interpretation of this classic story with music educator Timothy Brendler.

 

Fri., Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. ET – Feeling Crafty

Professional clown Stephanie Sine will lead families in a special craft inspired by Hansel and Gretel’s adventure into the woods.

 

Sat., Dec.19 at 11 a.m. ET – Kid in the Holiday Kitchen

New York Times food writer Melissa Clark and countertenor (and avid baker) Anthony Roth Costanzo will guide families in baking Deep Dark Fudgy Brownies, a recipe from Clark’s new cookbook, Kid in the Kitchen.

 

Sun., Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. ET – Creative Carols Actor and songwriter Joel Waggoner will lead a session on how to compose music and write lyrics for carols that are inspired by our own holiday traditions.

 

Mon., Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. ET – Solstice Songs

To celebrate the Winter Solstice, musician and educator Goussy Célestin will share how music and stories have helped us understand the passage of time.

 

Mon., Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. ET – Solstice Dance Party

The festival concludes with a dance party and holiday celebration for the entire family via Zoom.

For more information about the Met’s virtual Family Holiday Festival, visit metopera.org/family.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Alev Takil on Unsplash

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The Best Days to Visit Your Favorite Museum in June

by Erin Feher

School is out and we’re betting you have plans to hit up many of the Bay’s best museums over these next few months. But if you want to get the most out of your visit (and the most bang for your buck), don’t just show up any old day. School may be closed, but we still did our homework and tracked down the best days to visit your favorite museums in June. What we uncovered was discount tickets, late-night hours and even special visits from food trucks and your favorite story book characters. Ready, set, museum!

 

Bay Area Discovery Museum: June 19
Certain Fridays throughout the summer have been dubbed Curiosity Fridays at the BADM, and June 19 is next up. Scoop up your tickets for this extra-special day and you will get more than you bargained for: Inspired by the antics of Curious George (who will be there to read the kids stories!), this event will have your kids exploring and creating until the sun goes down. In addition to regular all-day museum admission, you get special after-hours access from 5-7:30 p.m., featuring food trucks, beer and wine vendors, a performance by Blues Whale at 5:15 p.m. and the Risa Dye Puppet Show with Parade at 6:45 p.m.

Cost: $13.95
Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Rd.
Sausalito, Ca
415-339-3900
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net

 

Hiller Aviation Museum: June 20 & June 21
Treat your family’s number one maverick to a day of jets, flight and all things air transport at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, where this weekend Dads enjoy free admission. Climb in a cockpit, explore more than forty unique and innovative aircraft on display, plus get busy with interactive games, models and even a Flight Sim where Dad can pilot across the Bay. Bomber jackets not included.

Cost: Free for dads and kids under 5; $9/kids 5-17; $14/adults
Hiller Aviation Museum
601 Skyway Rd
San Carlos, Ca 94070
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net

Stanford Museum: June 27
If your art history knowledge is a little fuzzy, let an expert (and extra-cool dad) take you and your little Picassos on a kid-centric tour of this epic art museum. For just $10, Art Dad SF, Sean Nowicki, will be on hand to fuel your little artists fire and answer all the questions your kiddo (or you) might have about Diebenkorn, Thiebaud and more!

Cost: $10
The Anderson Collection at Stanford University
314 Lomita Dr.
Stanford, Ca 94305
650-721-6055
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net

 

The Walt Disney Family Museum: June 27
SoCal may lay claim to the magical kingdom of Disneyland, but our own Presidio is home to a more intimate slice of Disney enchantment: The Walt Disney Family Museum. On this special day, you can join other Red Tricycle families for an exclusive morning with some super special treats: Enjoy guided gallery tours, indulge in arts and crafts, watch a movie, and finish off your fairy tale morning with a yummy lunch. It’s the kind of event you’d expect to get when you wish upon a star.

Cost: $20
The Walt Disney Family Museum
104 Montgomery St. in the Presidio
San Francisco, Ca 94129
415-345-6800
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net

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Chabot Space and Science Center: June 19, 5-10 p.m.
The best time to visit a museum known for its epic stargazing equipment is at night, right? Well, take advantage of $5 Fridays tomorrow (the last remaining June date) and, as the name implies, admission is only $5 for 5 hours of evening fun at the museum (5-10 p.m.) Your ticket includes one Digital Dome Planetarium Show, access to interactive exhibits featuring Bill Nye’s Climate Lab and the Touch the Sun exhibit and of course, access to the incredible Observatory Complex, where you can gaze through the giantic telescope at the stars and beyond.

Cost: $5
10000 Skyline Blvd.
Oakland, Ca
510-336-7373
Online: chabotspace.org.com

Are you planning to take advantage of any of these extra-special days at the museum? Tell us in the comments below! 

–Erin Feher

 

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6 Cool Things To Do with the Fam for $20 or Less

by Erin Feher

These days, a trip to the movie theater for a family of four costs an average of $60. We’d like to suggest you swap out a night at the cinema for some extra-special outdoor fun—and at a fraction of the cost, to boot. We’ve rounded up 6 activities that won’t break the bank, but promise a memorable day for the whole family, from berry picking to a kid-friendly walking tour to a day of exploring with Curious George. But just like opening night at Harry Potter, these hot tickets will go quickly, so get yours today—Andrew Jackson would be happy to be traded for one of these totally awesome events.


Photo: Michael Bently via Flickr

Go Berry Picking on an Organic Farm
Don’t let your kiddos think that berries are born inside those little clear plastic containers. Join Red Tricycle at Webb Ranch, an organic berry farm in the South Bay, for an exclusive day of berry picking before the farm officially opens for the season. Add to the day a lively kids band and sunshine and you’re guaranteed to have a berry, berry good time. This all-ages family outing features an exclusive day of berry picking before Webb Ranch opens to the public, not to mention a bounce house, live music and plenty of kiddie lawn games. $10 gets you a 3-pack or containers to fill up with blackberries, olallieberries, raspberries and boysenberries!

Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Webb Ranch
2720 Alpine Rd.
Portola Valley, Ca
650-854-6334
Cost: $10/person; children 3 and under are free.
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net


Adam Sharron via Flickr 

Go for a Guided Hike in the Presidio
Escape to the woods without ever leaving the city: This kid-friendly (and stroller friendly) guided hike will start at Fort Scott and end at Crissy Field’s Warming Hut Cafe. The Red Tricycle team has arranged this day out exploring the forests, complete with a scavenger hunt, snacks and a nature-inspired craft activity. Enjoy soaring vistas, search the skies for hawks, discover native blossoms and immerse yourself in nature without ever leaving the city.

Sat., May 16, 10 a.m.-noon
The Presidio of SF
Fort Winfield Scott to Crissy Field
Cost: $10/hiker; children ages 2 and under are free.
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net


Photo: Matt Farrugio

Bring the kids to a Bubble Show
Hanging in the park with the kids and a jar of bubbles always guarantees an afternoon of giggles. Turn up the fun factor by letting a pro handle the wand, and spend a Sunday afternoon with the Amazing Bubble Man in Alameda. You’re guaranteed to see something unbelieva-bubble: from trumpets to centipedes, spaceships to volcanos, this show will have the kids (and you) gasping, laughing, and clapping for more. There will also be live music by accordion band Jet Black Pearl.

Sunday, May 17, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 
Rhythmix Cultural Works
2513 Blanding Ave.
Alameda, Ca
510-865-5060
Cost: $15/adult; $10/child
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net



Photo: OMCA

Pan for Gold at OMCA
We live in the Golden State but how often have you ever panned for the shiny stuff? On May 17, the Gold Panning Hoedown takes over the museum gardens at OMCA. Pan for gold (and keep what you find!) and indulge in local lemonade, beer, wine and whisky. Join in a square dancing lesson, make your own bandanna and enjoy live music from Evie Ladin and the Stairwell Sisters. And of course, don’t forget to go inside and check out the exhibitions! $20 ($10 for kids) gets you all this—a steal considering you may walk out with your own gold nugget! Tickets for this event are limited, so pocket yours before they are gone.

Sunday, May 17, 2015, noon–3 p.m.
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak St.
Oakland, Ca
510-318-8400
Cost: $20/adults; $10/children 4 and up.Children 3 and under are free.
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net

Photo: David McSpadden via Flickr Creative Commons

 

Take a Family-Friendly Walking Tour of the Mission
With a toddler-in-tow and a stroller to push, going on a guided walk in the Mission might seem more like Mission Impossible. But with Wild SF Walking Tours your whole crew can take in the beauty and history of one of SF’s sunniest and most colorful ‘hoods alongside other urban-adventuring families, and be home by lunch (or nap time). Bonus: the tour starts and ends at two of SF’s finest playgrounds, so it’s really a win-win for the family.

Sunday, June 14, 10-11 a.m. 
Meet at the Golden Fire Hydrant on 20th and Dolores St.
(Top of Dolores Park)
San Francisco, Ca
415-580-1849
Cost: $15/person. Anyone 3 and up must have a ticket; children 2 and under are free. Strollers and baby carriers welcome.
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net

Photo: BADM

Spend the Day with Curious George at the BADM
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a treat any day of the week, but this special event ups the ante—Curious George will be on hand to hang out with the kiddies, and there will be extra cool activities all day and well into the evening (the museum will be open until 7:30 on this special night). Enjoy interactive performances, storytimes, dancing, live music, art classes and more. Join the kids as they dance, explore, create, make a mess, and laugh out loud, all day long.

Friday, August 21, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Rd.
Sausalito, Ca
415-339-3900
Cost: $12/person 1 yr. and older. $11/babies 6 mos.-1 year. Babies under 6 mos. are free.
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net

Are you and the family planning on attending one of these events? Let us know in the comments below! 

—Erin Feher

 

 

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